New York, New York – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
Iconic views, one-of-a-kind accommodation eloquently embodying a destination, unusual services to pamper the jaded road warrior. Among The Leading Hotels of the World, there are suites to make even the most sophisticated travelers dream. Whether they have been the settings for historic events – or are the ideal venue for writing future’s history, these suites are meant to be experienced and enjoyed – at least once in a lifetime. What follows is just a tantalizing sample of the dozens of super suites at Leading Hotels.
Ritz Paris, Paris, France
The Imperial Suite, the most expensive at Ritz Paris, has been restored in the grand tradition of French decorative arts, and comprises four immense rooms with six-meter high ceilings, bas reliefs and paneling that have been classed as Historic Monuments, and is highlighted with marble fireplaces, huge mirrors in carved gilded frames, and monumental sculpted doors. One room is the replica of Marie Antoinette’s bedroom in Versailles. Her portrait decorates the wall, and a reproduction of her baldaquin bed, topped by a canopy of gilded wood, dominates the room. A PoggenPohl Porsche Design kitchen has been installed in the dining room, and there is also a small personal wine cellar filled with a selection of the finest French wines. Perhaps Hemingway summed it up best: “When I dream of afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place at the Ritz, Paris.” Rates from EUR 11,000 per night.
Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany
Echoes of the past breathe at Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden in the Brenner’s Parkvilla – where its Royal Penthouse Suite is located – and where significant chapters in the annals of German-French history were written. This was where Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer met in 1962 to hold preliminary talks leading up to the Franco-German Treaty of Friendship – a milestone on the way to a united Europe. On the second story of the villa, the Royal Penthouse Suite is a contemporary version of the traditional presidential suite, with a separate entrance, bulletproof windows and other safety characteristics, making it the ideal refuge for prominent people and heads of state. Additionally, it has a separate room with private cinema with a large-format screen. Rates from EUR 2000 per night.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Holland
Hotel Okura Amsterdam invested EUR 2.3 million to create The Suite – the largest one in the Benelux countries. The London architectural firm of RPW was entrusted with the design and execution of The Suite, which occupies the 17th and 18th floors of the hotel. The almost 360-degree view of Amsterdam, the picture windows and the natural daylight form a beautiful backdrop to the architects’ creativity. Its central reception area features a dramatic fiber-optic chandelier, which cascaded through the space over the dining area below. A glass stairway with LED lighting leads up to the two bedrooms on the 18th floor. There is also a room with fitness equipment, so guests can exercise at their leisure without leaving the suite, and a private cinema seating up to 14, perfect for exclusive presentations. Guests can enjoy dinner in The Suite prepared by two of the hotel’s Michelin-starred chefs, and are accorded limousine service from and to Schiphol Airport. Rates from EUR 1050 per night.
The Ritz London, London, England, UK
The Royal Suite is located in the hotel’s William Kent House, the Grade II listed mansion house acquired by The Ritz in 2006. Completely restored to its 18th-century glory, and offering views of Green Park from all its rooms, the split-level suite includes a stylish salon and a magnificent dining room with seating for up to 10 people on the first floor. The boudoir-style bedroom is reached by hidden staircase from the main drawing room. Dominated by a canopied bed and a spectacularly patterned carpet, the oval shaped room has two en-suite dressing rooms. Guests of the Royal Suite are accorded 24-hour butler service, as well as chauffeured airport pick-up, and complimentary refreshments including full bar, replenished daily; afternoon tea; and champagne and canapés served each evening. Rates from GBP 3750 per night.
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Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa
The intimate Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa is situated in Sandhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa. Among its 53 exceptional accommodations, the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite is undoubtedly the finest. The 400-square-meter suite is set on the second level of the hotel, with access via a private lift and/or staircase. The suite is decorated with sophisticated African flair, and consists of two suites, a guest powder room, an open plan lounge and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen (with own butler’s entrance). Guests of the Platinum Suite are afforded complimentary round-trip airport transfer via a Mercedes sedan, and VIP assistance on arrival, including meet-and-greet at the airport via the diplomatic channel around passport control. In the suite, they will find Champagne – which is replenished each evening, and a complimentary minibar with soft drinks, waters and a selection of beers, replenished daily. Besides all the luxury fixtures, a housekeeper and butler are on hand to promptly fulfill guests’ every request. Rates from ZAR 35,000 per night.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India
Once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his beautiful queen, Rajmata Gayatri Devi, Rambagh Palace is a living legend of Rajputana history. One glimpse of the hotel’s Sukh Niwas Suite and you know you could be nowhere else in the world other than India. The suite is an evocation of this complex and fascinating country itself – an amazing amalgam of contemporary design with royal flourishes. Arched stone work, rich textured drapes and fabrics, crystal chandeliers, gold leaf frescoes, opulent furniture and embellishment creates an ambiance of sheer luxury and decadence. Large windows open to the picturesque royal gardens, and the spectacular Aravali hills. In addition to the grand sitting area, an intimate dining space, sun deck seating on the private terrace, four- fixture bathroom with a private Jacuzzi, there is a breathtakingly lush and glamorous bedroom with a large circular bed draped with full length gold-hued curtains from floor to ceiling. Guests of this opulent accommodation are accorded personal butler service, and arrival and departure transfers in a vintage luxury car. Rates for this suite and other Grand Suites from INR 210,000.
The Hay-Adams, Washington, DC, USA
The Federal Suite at The Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C. provides a magnificent view of the front of the White House and the north lawn. It has been home to heads of states, celebrities and high profile VIP’s. Designed by architect Thomas Pheasant, the suite has two bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a separate living room that boasts a panoramic view of the White House, Lafayette Park, and St. John’s Church. The luxurious master bedroom opens onto a step-out Juliet balcony. The canopy bed is fitted with over-head reading lights and Frette linens. The bathroom radiates the same European ambiance as the rest of the suite. Featuring a marble tub and shower, Etro toiletries, brass fixtures and a state-of-the-art Toto toilet, it is more like a private spa than a hotel bathroom. Rates from USD 8550 per night.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
The 2,200-square-foot Imperial Suite at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu has a lanai with broad vistas from Diamond Head to Koko Head. Named in honor of a recent stay by the Emperor and Empress of Japan, its details include 100% silk rugs that cost USD 20,000 apiece, custom parquet floors of Big Island koa and ohia woods, and backlit golden onyx countertops. A dramatic mixed-media mural of hand-painted silk and vivid embroidery adorns the pocket doors enclosing the living room. The mural, designed by artist Duff Paulsen, was inspired by the Bishop Museum’s collection of 1920s era depictions of old Hawaii. Like a James Bond movie, the entryway to the second bedroom is disguised as a functioning bookshelf. Equipped with a subtly high-tech bathroom – the shower has loudspeakers and programmable wall – and ceiling-mounted digital showerheads by Kohler, and a vanity mirror with an embedded flat screen television. Rates from USD 10,000 per night.
The Greenwich Hotel, New York, USA
Conceived as an artist’s atelier, the 2,500-square-foot North Moore Duplex Suite has two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms – finished with individually hand-laid Moroccan tiles, an office with a separate entrance, and a living and dining area with working stone fireplace – and a soaring 30-foot skylight. Its floors were carefully fashioned from rare, reclaimed chestnut beams, and lend a special warmth. In the serene master bedroom, guests will find a working gas fireplace, an oversized seating area and a generously sized walk-in closet. Other features include a colorful Moroccan tiled Turkish hammam and Finnish sauna. There is a fully fitted chef’s kitchen and pantry and the option of booking a selection of private chefs to prepare and host a dinner en suite. And if more space is needed to accommodate family or friends, the duplex residence can expand to include up to five bedrooms. Rates from USD 5500 per night.
Faena Hotel + Universe, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The F Suite at Faena Hotel + Universe is the most expensive suite in Latin America. This suite reflects the interior design of a collaboration between Philippe Starck and Alan Faena, and incorporates Imperial-style furniture, red velvet curtains, lapacho wood and arabasceto marble. Traditional Argentine themes and patterns can be found throughout the space and are woven into rugs. A large red Murano glass chandelier hangs in the center of the living room and oil portraits of General and Eva Peron adorn the wall. Guests of the suite receive private access via a residential entrance, and an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the city. Guests have round-the-clock personal service by a dedicated Experience Manager. Rates from USD 9500 per night.
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